john.orme wrote:We've had a bishop in our stake ask us if it would be appropriate to start a Christmas Fund within his ward. He has several families that want to donate money to anonymously help some of the needy families in the ward have a more enjoyable Christmas. The ward financial clerk would open up a subcategory in the 'Other' account where the money would be collected, and then the bishop would use those funds to provide holiday meals, Christmas trees or presents depending on each of the family's needs. Is this an appropriate use of the 'Other' fund?
Bishops are, by and large, friendly folk who really want to help others. When they see a need, like a struggling family with a very small (or nonexistent) Christmas, they want to fill that need. That said, there is nothing precisely on point in the training that expressly prohibits this, but it might be strongly implied that this is an improper use of the Other Account.
For example, in the old Other Account training, it warns
Occasionally wards or stakes create an "Other" subcategory to collect funds for national or international charitable causes. While many such causes are noble and worthy, members should normally be encouraged to contribute to the Humanitarian Aid or Fast Offering funds, not the "Other" category. This allows the funds to be carefully administered and used for the maximum benefit to those in need.
Although the Holiday account is spent locally instead of sent to a national cause, the principle seems to be the same. If the goal is to assist those in need, the right category is Fast Offerings or Humanitarian Aid, not a Holiday account. Otherwise, it turns into a petty cash fund, and that's completely outside policy.
As an example, consider the ramifications if the "Christmas Account" is somehow overspent. Because the deficit wouldn't come from money owed by members, the proper course of action would be to transfer money from the Budget to cover the deficit. Now you have Budget funds essentially going to go for gifts, etc. for a particular family. Does this strike you as proper?
Note: I am not a grinch. I applaud the caring and generous spirit of those who would like to help others. I just don't think the Other account is a good way to do it. A Christmas list kept by the bishop, where particular needs are identified (i.e. toy for 4-5 year old girl, modest tree, Christmas goose, etc), and the individual members generously fulfill those needs, and the Bishop/Relief Society President then goes out and
delivers the results, might be one way of helping others, and at the same time allowing the members to know exactly what was spent without knowing the identity of the recipients. But just contributing cash to an Other account has too many problems and not enough checks and balances to work well. At least in my opinion.